In Loving Memory of a couple of Aussie Diggers on ANZAC Day.
Unfortunately, I have no photo of my Dad in his uniform, so I have posted a photo of my uncle (Mum’s brother) as a second best option, though it has to be noted that Ally was second best to no-one. He was a champ and my Dad’s best mate.
Ally and Dad would get up to no end of mischief together, and when they were too old for the physical mischief, they would reminisce instead, over a few glasses of ridiculously expensive Scotch Whiskey and laugh until they cried.
It was always a complete crack-up watching them together.
I note here that I would write about my Dad’s achievements in the army, however, in his own words, he “spent more time in the brig than in action”, and I can only regale you with tales of him stealing his commanding officers great coat and similar larrikin activities….. ANZAC Day deserves a more sombre tone. I know there are stories that Dad could have told us, but he never did. I can only imagine the horror that he saw but would laugh off with his stories of childish pranks.
Dad was in the Australian Army and was in Papua New Guinea on The Kokoda Trail.
Ally was a Pathfinder based in England in the Australian Airforce in WWII.
They shall grow not old,
As we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun,
And in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest We Forget
April 25th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Beautiful post, sweetie
Very much in keeping with the day, as well. I can never read that poem without getting a little tear in my eye!
Ally was the most amazing guy. His funeral service was probably the best, and most attended I've ever been to. The fly-by from the Hercules is particularly worth mentioning
Well done for posting something to help us all remember what the day is about.